Netflix has announced the closure of two of its internal game development studios, Night School Studio and Moonloot, as part of a broader restructuring of its gaming division. The decision reflects a strategic shift towards specific genres and types of games.
A spokesperson for Netflix stated that the company is reconfiguring its games branch to concentrate on "kids gaming, party games, story-driven fare and games with mainstream hooks." This new focus comes as Netflix is reportedly moving away from extensive internal development in favor of external partnerships and more casual gaming experiences.
Night School Studio, known for its narrative adventure games, was responsible for titles such as the supernatural teen adventure Oxenfree, which originally launched in 2016 and received a sequel in 2023. The studio also developed Afterparty, a game where characters attempt to outdrink Satan to return from hell, and recently released the mobile game Unhinged. The studio had been in operation for 12 years.
Moonloot, founded in 2022, was reportedly working on an Animal Crossing-style life simulation game but did not release any titles before its closure. Netflix has also reduced staff within its internal development teams, though specific numbers have not been disclosed.
The move by Netflix signals a continued evolution of its strategy in the video game space, moving from a period of heavy investment in internal studios to a more focused approach on select genres and potentially fewer internal development teams.